Beit Quadrangle, Imperial College London

Gallery

In Brief

Client:The Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine

Location:London

Construction value:£8,500,000

Completion:July 2001

Beit Quadrangle is one of the oldest groups of buildings now occupied by Imperial College London in South Kensington. Designed by Aston Webb in 1909, the quadrangle is adjacent to the Royal Albert Hall.

FCBStudios were appointed to undertake the conversion and extension of two wings previously housing scientific departments, together with the refurbishment of other student accommodation which provides 325 student bed spaces and high quality conference facilities.

Roof-top extensions were proposed on both the east and the west wings. A two-storey extension was constructed on the east wing which has a particularly sensitive elevation looking towards the Albert Hall.

This extension has been carefully designed both to have its own identity and to blend in with the existing structure and is intended to be as energy efficient as possible given the constraints of working on an existing structure.

The alterations to the Quad respond to the sensitive context of the Knightsbridge Conservation Area and complement the characters of a number of different adjacent spaces. The work enhanced the Quad as a vibrant place to live, while respecting its character and scale.

Selected Awards

2000 Housing Design Award: National Award: Finalist

“Modern and innovative, yet fits within the context of the architectural surrounding.” Ian Caldwell
Director of Estates, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine